Tokyo Olympics: Team GB’s women’s rugby sevens side are dumped OUT in the semi-finals by France

Team GB’s women’s rugby sevens side are dumped OUT in the semi-finals after 26-19 defeat to France to scupper hopes of a gold medal as they prepare for bronze medal match against FijiĀ 

Great Britain women saw their gold medal quest ended by France in the Tokyo Olympics rugby sevens tournament.

They will contest the bronze medal match against Fiji later on Saturday following a 26-19 defeat.

Britain, beaten at the semi-final stage in Rio five years ago, fell behind early.

Team GB’s rugby sevens side are out of the Olympics after semi-final defeat against France

The French won 26-19 and held off a fight back from Team GB, who face Fiji in bronze match

The French won 26-19 and held off a fight back from Team GB, who face Fiji in bronze match

France made a blistering start, moving 14 points clear through converted tries from Anne-Cecile Ciofani and Seraphine Okemba, before Jasmine Joyce claimed her sixth try of the tournament and Holly Aitchison added the extras.

Coralie Bertrand claimed a third French touchdown before the break, but Joyce then sprinted clear for her second try, making it 21-12 at half-time.

Ciofani scored a second, before a Hannah Smith score converted by Natasha Hunt set up a tense finale, but France held on.

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